Malaysia's Strict Etiquette Around Alcohol That Could Surprise Visitors

Picture this: You just checked into your upscale hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and decide to order a bottle of wine via Grab (think of it like DoorDash). So, you open the app, find a liquor shop, and select a malbec all the way from Argentina. As you're about to checkout, a notification pops up asking you to confirm two things: you're over 21 and you're not Muslim. 

While many countries have strict rules regarding alcohol, Malaysia's drinking etiquette and legal code stem from the nation's majority-Muslim status. In comparison to the strict alcohol rules tourists need to know before visiting Dubai, Malaysia's drinking laws are more relaxed. However, people of Muslim faith and anyone under 21 are prohibited from purchasing or consuming alcohol. In fact, if a Grab driver suspects a customer is Muslim, they're encouraged to check the purchaser's religious affiliation. Many majority-Muslim countries, like neighboring Indonesia, include a citizen's religion on his or her government ID card. 

In terms of etiquette, drinking in public places like on the street or in parks is considered inappropriate. While you might see a tourist swigging a can of beer along Kuala Lumpur's Jalan Alor or outside a bar in Bangsar, behaving drunkenly in public isn't a good look in Malaysia. 

During your travels in Malaysia, it's unlikely that anyone will question your alcohol consumption as long as you drink responsibly and in the appropriate places. You probably won't find alcohol in smaller Malay neighborhoods or majority-Muslim cities like Terengganu; however, beer and wine can usually be found in Chinese-Malaysian shops, bars, or restaurants even in remote areas. Depending on your tastes, you might encounter a reduced selection of your preferred beverages. In terms of hard alcohol, it can be difficult to find in shops and usually retails for higher prices than you'd encounter in the U.S. Therefore, you should consider buying spirits at duty-free stores or islands when you enter the country.

Although alcohol consumption is more common in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city has slightly different rules than the rest of the country. Convenience stores, local grocery stores, and Chinese medicine providers can only sell beer (no hard alcohol) between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. However, non-Muslims can still buy alcohol at restaurants, bars, hotels, and supermarkets. The purpose of this law is to reduce overall alcohol consumption and make it less available in neighborhoods. 

The bottom line: If you visit Kuala Lumpur (KL), it's easy to find a drink in any bar or club — after all, the city is famous for its rooftop venues and nightlife. In addition, many restaurants serve beer, especially draft Carlsberg and Heineken. However, once you leave KL's streets behind, locating a nightcap gets a little more difficult, but it's hardly impossible. 

Regardless of whether you're visiting Kuala Lumpur, a tiny town in the Cameron Highlands, or this Southeast Asian destination for a breathtaking beach vacation, never drink in or near places of worship (temples, mosques, or churches) — this is a huge no-no. In addition, government buildings, police stations, schools, hospitals, and public transportation are off-limits. Some Airbnbs will ask guests not to drink alcohol on the property, but this is the host's choice not an actual law. 

If you are Muslim, consuming alcohol is risky anywhere in Malaysia, particularly outside of Kuala Lumpur. For instance, in 2009, the Shariah High Court sentenced a Muslim woman in Pahang to a fine and caning for drinking beer in a club. While some parts of Pahang (like foodie destination George Town) are fairly liberal, Kampung Melayu and other areas are conservative, shunning all alcohol consumption. 

Even non-Muslims visiting conservative destinations like Selangor or Perak should consider sticking to non-alcoholic beverages simply for the experience. The assortment of juices and teas at restaurants is truly incredible, and skipping the booze will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture. Before starting your trip, read up on other etiquette rules, including the type of clothing tourists visiting Malaysia should avoid wearing.